ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, NIGERIA.
ADULTS SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON,
UNIT 2, LESSON 5.
JULY - DECEMBER, 2023.
SUNDAY, 30TH JULY, 2023.
Topic: The Great Passover Event
Memory Verse: Exodus 12:12.
I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD (KJV).
Central Truth
God is mighty to deliver from all bondage.
The Lesson Outline
1. Supernatural Plague Announced
A. A Plague of Judgement Will Come - Exodus 11:1-3.
B. God's People Escape His Judgement - Exodus 11:4-10.
2. Instructions for Observing Passover
A. The Blood Delivers From Judgement - Exodus 12:12-13,21-23.
B. Celebrate Divine Deliverance - Exodus 12:24-28.
3. Manifestation of God's Power
A. Death Visits the Egyptians - Exodus 12:29-30.
B. God Gives Israel Deliverance and Blessing - Exodus 12:31-36.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Examine the supernatural elements of the Passover story and why they are relevant today.
2. More fully appreciate the significance of how Israel's supernatural deliverance mirrors their supernatural deliverance from sin.
3. Be challenged to tell others about how God delivers and sets people free from sin.
Introducing the Lesson
Most believers--and many unbelievers as well are famillar with the story of the Exodus, God's people were delivered from the bondage of slavery through a series of miracles, in the form of plagues against Egypt, Exodus 7-10 records the first nine of these plagues.
Then, in Exodus 11, we see an event that foreshadows the sacrifice that was made for our own salvation. In one evening, the presence of the blood of sacrifice spared the Israelites from the grief of death and served to deliver them from bondage.
The Holy Scriptures
Exodus 11:1,4-7
[1]And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.
[4]And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
[5]And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.
[6]And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.
[7]But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
Exodus 12:12,21-23
[12]For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
[21]Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
[22]And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
[23]For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
B. Celebrate Divine Deliverance - Exodus 12:24-28.
3. Manifestation of God's Power
A. Death Visits the Egyptians - Exodus 12:29-30.
B. God Gives Israel Deliverance and Blessing - Exodus 12:31-36.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Examine the supernatural elements of the Passover story and why they are relevant today.
2. More fully appreciate the significance of how Israel's supernatural deliverance mirrors their supernatural deliverance from sin.
3. Be challenged to tell others about how God delivers and sets people free from sin.
Introducing the Lesson
Most believers--and many unbelievers as well are famillar with the story of the Exodus, God's people were delivered from the bondage of slavery through a series of miracles, in the form of plagues against Egypt, Exodus 7-10 records the first nine of these plagues.
Then, in Exodus 11, we see an event that foreshadows the sacrifice that was made for our own salvation. In one evening, the presence of the blood of sacrifice spared the Israelites from the grief of death and served to deliver them from bondage.
The Holy Scriptures
Exodus 11:1,4-7
[1]And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.
[4]And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
[5]And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.
[6]And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.
[7]But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
Exodus 12:12,21-23
[12]For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
[21]Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
[22]And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
[23]For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
Commentary And Application
1. Supernatural Plague Announced
A. A Plague of Judgement Will Come - Exodus 11:1-3.
God had sent nine plagues on Egypt. Each of these came as judgement on Pharaoh and the people of Egypt (see Exodus 7:3-5).
In addition, these plagues served as judgements upon the various idols the Egyptians worshipped, demonstrating God's victory over these pagan deities (see 12:12; Numbers 33:4). Sadly, in spite of the plagues, Pharaoh refused to let the people of Israel leave Egypt.
Sin is deceptive; it can cause a heart to harden against God. It can lead sinners to shift the blame for their troubles that result from sin, and make them determined to continue in their sin even when such behaviour is obviously harmful. Refusal to repent will result in judgement just as such refusal did to Pharaoh.
Judgement would fall on Egypt in the form of a terrible tenth plague. Its horror would cause Pharaoh to drive Israel from Egypt's borders (Exodus 11:1).
This plague, then, would result in great blessing to Israel. Moses instructed the elders to tell the people to ask for silver and gold from the Egyptians, for God had given Israel favour among them (verses 2-3). The Egyptian people would comply with the request, giving Israel the valuables they asked for. To some degree, this could have repaid Israel for her many years of slave labour.
This story depicts both sin and salvation. Sin brings Judgement- ultimnately the most severe judgement of death (Romans 6:23). But the salvation God offers leads to abundance (John 10:10).
Questions for Application
What can Pharaoh's response to God's judgements teach us about sin?
Why do you think people follow the way of sin even when they know negative consequences will result?
B. God's People Escape His Judgement–Exodus 11:4-10.
Moses delivered the grim news of the tenth and final plague. It would occur at midnight of that very night (Exodus 11:4), and it would involve the death of the firstborn of Egypt- both man and beast (verse 5). No level of society would be exempt. The royal first-born would die, as would the firstborn child of a slave. Grief would spread all across Egypt (verse 6).
In contrast, there would be no mourning among the people of Israel (verse 7). This would demonstrate in real terms the vast difference between the God of Israel and the idolatry of Egypt. Egyptians trusted in false gods to protect them.
The goddess Isis, for instance, supposedly protected children. But a false god could offer no protection from the judgement of the one true God. Israel, in contrast, trusted the one true God. His judgement would befall the rest of the nation but would pass over the Israelites.
Keep in mind that God had given Pharaoh repeated opportunities to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh, however, continued to refuse. lt would not please God to do what He was about to do in Egypt. The Book of Ezekiel makes this clear: "Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live" (Ezekiel 18:23, NLT).
But God's justice demanded the judgement that was about to come, which would also secure the freedom of Israel. God is holy and will not tolerate sin. Those who refuse to repent and accept His salvation face judgement.
The result of the plague would be striking. All the officials of Egypt would urge the Israelites to leave Egypt immediately (Exodus 11:8). Even as Moses departed Pharaoh, God made the sad truth clear.
The Egyptian king would still refuse to heed Moses' warning. This would serve God's higher purpose, however, for this plague-as with the others Would serve to reveal God's power (verse 9).
Yet the hardness of Pharaoh's heart would cause him to respond as he had responded before. He would still not allow lsrael to leave Egypt (verse 10).
Questions for Application
How would you answer someone who asked how a loving God could enact fierce judgement?
What does it mean to repent, and how is repentance seen in a person's life?
Moses delivered the grim news of the tenth and final plague. It would occur at midnight of that very night (Exodus 11:4), and it would involve the death of the firstborn of Egypt- both man and beast (verse 5). No level of society would be exempt. The royal first-born would die, as would the firstborn child of a slave. Grief would spread all across Egypt (verse 6).
In contrast, there would be no mourning among the people of Israel (verse 7). This would demonstrate in real terms the vast difference between the God of Israel and the idolatry of Egypt. Egyptians trusted in false gods to protect them.
The goddess Isis, for instance, supposedly protected children. But a false god could offer no protection from the judgement of the one true God. Israel, in contrast, trusted the one true God. His judgement would befall the rest of the nation but would pass over the Israelites.
Keep in mind that God had given Pharaoh repeated opportunities to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh, however, continued to refuse. lt would not please God to do what He was about to do in Egypt. The Book of Ezekiel makes this clear: "Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live" (Ezekiel 18:23, NLT).
But God's justice demanded the judgement that was about to come, which would also secure the freedom of Israel. God is holy and will not tolerate sin. Those who refuse to repent and accept His salvation face judgement.
The result of the plague would be striking. All the officials of Egypt would urge the Israelites to leave Egypt immediately (Exodus 11:8). Even as Moses departed Pharaoh, God made the sad truth clear.
The Egyptian king would still refuse to heed Moses' warning. This would serve God's higher purpose, however, for this plague-as with the others Would serve to reveal God's power (verse 9).
Yet the hardness of Pharaoh's heart would cause him to respond as he had responded before. He would still not allow lsrael to leave Egypt (verse 10).
Questions for Application
How would you answer someone who asked how a loving God could enact fierce judgement?
What does it mean to repent, and how is repentance seen in a person's life?
2. Instructions for Observing Passover
A. The Blood Delivers from Judgement - Exodus 12:12-13,21-23.
In Exodus 12:12-13, as God declares what is going to happen, we observe both His supernatural power and His unmatched grace in view.
Every firstborn Egyptian male-human or animal -would die in one night. But the Israelite males would be preserved by one profoundly important yet simple act.
They were to put the blood of a sacrificial lamb or goat without defect-on the doorpost of each household. In the event that some were too poor for a sacrifice, families could take refuge together (see 12:3-5).
The blood of the sacrifice would preserve them from divine judgement.
And so, Moses gathered the leaders of Israel together and gave them their instructions. Each family was to slay a sacrifice in anticipation of this Passover event (verse 21). Verses 17-20 further described the Passover celebration.
The blood of the sacrifice was to be collected and placed in a bowl. A sprig of hyssop was then to be dipped into the blood and sprinkled on the door frames of each lsraelite home (verse 22).
Every Jew was required to stay inside the home on this important night. The Lord would pass through Egypt in the darkness to inflict judgement on that nation. But if He saw the blood on the door frame of a home, He would pass over that home (verse 23). The judgement that fell on Egyptian homes that night would not occur in the homes with the blood on the doorframes.
This Passover scene foreshadows the ultimate deliverance from bondage-the sin sacrifice of Christ on the cross for our salvation. Sin brings death to those who refuse to turn from it. Passover reminds us that the only deliverance from the penalty of sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ (see Romans 5:8-9). He died for sinners. Only His blood can cleanse sinners from their sin. Only His blood can keep sinners from experiencing the penalty of that sin.
Questions for Application
How can the Passover scene pictured in Exodus help you better understand the way God's grace is at workin your life?
In what ways is your life different because Jesus saved you from the penalty of your sin?
B. Celebrate Divine Deliverance - Exodus 12:24-28.
God desired the events of this night to continue on in the memory of His people, so He gave instructions for the Passover to be a lasting ordinance observed by future generations (Exodus 12:24). After they entered into the Promised Land, they were to continue to celebrate the Passover (verse 25).
Celebrating the Passover each wear would serve a great purpose. Children would be prone to ask about the meaning of the ritual (verse 26). When they did, parents would have opportunity to tell them about the Supernatural deliverance God had provided their ancestors (verse 27). The event, and its profound meaning, would then not be lost with coming generations.
Israel wisely obeyed the directive to celebrate the Passover (verse 28). Still today, many Jewish families continue to do so, ensuring that its significance is not lost on their children.
Christian parents, guardians, and other family members should sense this same responsibility with regard to the salvation Jesus Christ provides. They should seek to instil in their children the importance of the sacrifice of Christ.
Questions for Application
What are some ways Christians continue to memorialise God's great works among us from the past?
How can you voice your celebration for what God has done in your life?
3. Manifestation of God's Power
A. Death Visits the Egyptians - Exodus 12:29-30.
God grants no immunity to those who refuse to repent and receive deliverance from their sins. No people are exempt from the wages of sin. None are so wealthy or powerful that they can buy their way out of its judgement. Neither is any person so righteous or humble that he or she cạn expect to be spared when it comes to reaping the consequences of their sins. Without the salvation God provides through the blood of Christ, every person faces the same end result: judgement, followed by everlasting separation from God.
Questions for Application
What are some consequences of sin in this life?
Are you ever tempted to believe that your own goodness can make you right in God's eyes, in place of repentance? How should you respond if you are tempted to embrace such a belief?
B. God Gives Israel Deliverance and Blessing - Exodus 12:31-36.
This final plague on Egypt achieved the desired result. Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and urged them to do two things: leave Egypt, and bless him as they left (Exodus 12:31-32). Egyptians of that day considered Pharaoh to be a god. So, it was very significant that he would ask for a blessing from the God of Israel. Clearly, the God of the Israelites had the power to bless and curse whomever He wished.
A further tragedy is that if Pharaoh had submÃtted to God, this tragic event would not have occurred. God is not to blame for the hardships created by sin. Such hardships are products of wrong living. The way of sin is hard (see Proverbs 13:15). Those who experience sin's harshness need to bow in submission to God. While this may conflict with human pride, confession and repentance lead to freedom from God's wrath.
The people of Egypt also urged the Israelites to leave their country immediately (Exodus 12:33). Indeed, the Israelites did leave quickly- so quickly that they did not even take time to complete their bread making (verse 34). They also complied with Moses' instruction to ask the Egyptians for valuables and clothing (verse 35).
The Egyptians responded in the way that Moses said they would. In fact, they gave the lsraelites so much that it was as if the people of lsrael had plundered them, "stripping the Egyptians of their wealth" (verse 36, NLT).
In this way, it was demonstrated that God's people were indeed victorious over their captors through the power of their God-even though they had been enslaved for four centuries.
In the verses that follow, we find that the Israelites numbered six hundred thousand men, not counting women and children (verse 37).
Some commentators estimate the total number could have been more than two million. Furthermore, they were accompanied by a large group of non-Jewish people-most of whom were likely Egyptians who decided to accompany the people of God rather than stay in their native land (verse 38). Thus, God's promise to bless the whole world through Abraham (see Genesis 12:1-3) took real-life form.
God's promise to the world regarding salvation is still in effect today. Yet freedom from sin's bondage is not to be taken lightly or neglected. Those who want to be free from sin should come to Christ quickly, recognising that His blood can cleanse from sin and bring freedom and life, rather than judgement.
Questions for Application
Why do you think some of the people of Egypt would leave their own country and go with the Israelites?
What are some ways that we can show unbelievers that the God we serve is the one true God?
Call to Discipleship
After 430 years, Israel was free from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:40-41), and God wanted them to remember this miraculous event.
So, He commanded that the Passover be celebrated every year throughout the generations (verse 42).
The Jews observe the Passover to give thanks to God for their miraculous deliverance from bondage in Egypt. Similarly, we celebrate Communion to commemorate our deliverance under a new covenant.
The drinking of the cup reminds us that through Christ's sacrifice we partake of the benefits of all that He came to do. Only in Christ do we find the remedy for sin and the hope for eternal life. So, the next time you celebrate Communion, think about the miracle of salvation, which God has brought into your life.
Ministry in Action
Challenge students to watch in coming days for examples of God's divine power at work to save, preserve, or bless people.
Invite students who have not accepted Christ to find that great and Supernatural gift of salvation today.
Take time to pray as a class, asking God to help student overcome sin, then give thanks for the supernatural provision of deliverance from sin's bondage today.
A. The Blood Delivers from Judgement - Exodus 12:12-13,21-23.
In Exodus 12:12-13, as God declares what is going to happen, we observe both His supernatural power and His unmatched grace in view.
Every firstborn Egyptian male-human or animal -would die in one night. But the Israelite males would be preserved by one profoundly important yet simple act.
They were to put the blood of a sacrificial lamb or goat without defect-on the doorpost of each household. In the event that some were too poor for a sacrifice, families could take refuge together (see 12:3-5).
The blood of the sacrifice would preserve them from divine judgement.
And so, Moses gathered the leaders of Israel together and gave them their instructions. Each family was to slay a sacrifice in anticipation of this Passover event (verse 21). Verses 17-20 further described the Passover celebration.
The blood of the sacrifice was to be collected and placed in a bowl. A sprig of hyssop was then to be dipped into the blood and sprinkled on the door frames of each lsraelite home (verse 22).
Every Jew was required to stay inside the home on this important night. The Lord would pass through Egypt in the darkness to inflict judgement on that nation. But if He saw the blood on the door frame of a home, He would pass over that home (verse 23). The judgement that fell on Egyptian homes that night would not occur in the homes with the blood on the doorframes.
This Passover scene foreshadows the ultimate deliverance from bondage-the sin sacrifice of Christ on the cross for our salvation. Sin brings death to those who refuse to turn from it. Passover reminds us that the only deliverance from the penalty of sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ (see Romans 5:8-9). He died for sinners. Only His blood can cleanse sinners from their sin. Only His blood can keep sinners from experiencing the penalty of that sin.
Questions for Application
How can the Passover scene pictured in Exodus help you better understand the way God's grace is at workin your life?
In what ways is your life different because Jesus saved you from the penalty of your sin?
B. Celebrate Divine Deliverance - Exodus 12:24-28.
God desired the events of this night to continue on in the memory of His people, so He gave instructions for the Passover to be a lasting ordinance observed by future generations (Exodus 12:24). After they entered into the Promised Land, they were to continue to celebrate the Passover (verse 25).
Celebrating the Passover each wear would serve a great purpose. Children would be prone to ask about the meaning of the ritual (verse 26). When they did, parents would have opportunity to tell them about the Supernatural deliverance God had provided their ancestors (verse 27). The event, and its profound meaning, would then not be lost with coming generations.
Israel wisely obeyed the directive to celebrate the Passover (verse 28). Still today, many Jewish families continue to do so, ensuring that its significance is not lost on their children.
Christian parents, guardians, and other family members should sense this same responsibility with regard to the salvation Jesus Christ provides. They should seek to instil in their children the importance of the sacrifice of Christ.
Questions for Application
What are some ways Christians continue to memorialise God's great works among us from the past?
How can you voice your celebration for what God has done in your life?
3. Manifestation of God's Power
A. Death Visits the Egyptians - Exodus 12:29-30.
God grants no immunity to those who refuse to repent and receive deliverance from their sins. No people are exempt from the wages of sin. None are so wealthy or powerful that they can buy their way out of its judgement. Neither is any person so righteous or humble that he or she cạn expect to be spared when it comes to reaping the consequences of their sins. Without the salvation God provides through the blood of Christ, every person faces the same end result: judgement, followed by everlasting separation from God.
Questions for Application
What are some consequences of sin in this life?
Are you ever tempted to believe that your own goodness can make you right in God's eyes, in place of repentance? How should you respond if you are tempted to embrace such a belief?
B. God Gives Israel Deliverance and Blessing - Exodus 12:31-36.
This final plague on Egypt achieved the desired result. Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and urged them to do two things: leave Egypt, and bless him as they left (Exodus 12:31-32). Egyptians of that day considered Pharaoh to be a god. So, it was very significant that he would ask for a blessing from the God of Israel. Clearly, the God of the Israelites had the power to bless and curse whomever He wished.
A further tragedy is that if Pharaoh had submÃtted to God, this tragic event would not have occurred. God is not to blame for the hardships created by sin. Such hardships are products of wrong living. The way of sin is hard (see Proverbs 13:15). Those who experience sin's harshness need to bow in submission to God. While this may conflict with human pride, confession and repentance lead to freedom from God's wrath.
The people of Egypt also urged the Israelites to leave their country immediately (Exodus 12:33). Indeed, the Israelites did leave quickly- so quickly that they did not even take time to complete their bread making (verse 34). They also complied with Moses' instruction to ask the Egyptians for valuables and clothing (verse 35).
The Egyptians responded in the way that Moses said they would. In fact, they gave the lsraelites so much that it was as if the people of lsrael had plundered them, "stripping the Egyptians of their wealth" (verse 36, NLT).
In this way, it was demonstrated that God's people were indeed victorious over their captors through the power of their God-even though they had been enslaved for four centuries.
In the verses that follow, we find that the Israelites numbered six hundred thousand men, not counting women and children (verse 37).
Some commentators estimate the total number could have been more than two million. Furthermore, they were accompanied by a large group of non-Jewish people-most of whom were likely Egyptians who decided to accompany the people of God rather than stay in their native land (verse 38). Thus, God's promise to bless the whole world through Abraham (see Genesis 12:1-3) took real-life form.
God's promise to the world regarding salvation is still in effect today. Yet freedom from sin's bondage is not to be taken lightly or neglected. Those who want to be free from sin should come to Christ quickly, recognising that His blood can cleanse from sin and bring freedom and life, rather than judgement.
Questions for Application
Why do you think some of the people of Egypt would leave their own country and go with the Israelites?
What are some ways that we can show unbelievers that the God we serve is the one true God?
After 430 years, Israel was free from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:40-41), and God wanted them to remember this miraculous event.
So, He commanded that the Passover be celebrated every year throughout the generations (verse 42).
The Jews observe the Passover to give thanks to God for their miraculous deliverance from bondage in Egypt. Similarly, we celebrate Communion to commemorate our deliverance under a new covenant.
The drinking of the cup reminds us that through Christ's sacrifice we partake of the benefits of all that He came to do. Only in Christ do we find the remedy for sin and the hope for eternal life. So, the next time you celebrate Communion, think about the miracle of salvation, which God has brought into your life.
Ministry in Action
Challenge students to watch in coming days for examples of God's divine power at work to save, preserve, or bless people.
Invite students who have not accepted Christ to find that great and Supernatural gift of salvation today.
Take time to pray as a class, asking God to help student overcome sin, then give thanks for the supernatural provision of deliverance from sin's bondage today.
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